Incredibly flavorful Instant Pot root beer pulled pork made with a blend of complementary spices. Perfect for get-togethers and potlucks!
Instant Pot Root Beer Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is one of my favorite things to make in my Instant Pot because it's so easy, comes out incredibly flavorful, and it makes enough to feed a crowd!
The best way to cook pork shoulder in a pressure cooker is to cut the pork into chunks before adding them to the pot.
Of course, you can dry rub a frozen pork shoulder or pork sirloin roast and pressure cook it! The only difference in the recipe will be the need to increase the cook time to about 75 minutes instead of 45 for the thawed pork.
Allowing the pressure cooker to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes is incredibly important when cooking meats in a pressure cooker. Releasing pressure too soon will result in tough and dry meat. Allow it to release naturally and it will come out fork tender.
The pot will also take longer to come to pressure by using a frozen roast but it will still come out absolutely delicious!
RELATED: Instant Pot Firehouse Chili
How to Shred Meat
Shredding meat doesn't need to be a hassle or take very long! You can use methods including these three to get the job done. Of course, one way is more effective than the other.
- Forks - if forks are all you have on hand, it'll get the job done, especially if your meat is tender.
- Meat Claws - Meat Claws are pretty much very large forks that shred the meat apart quickly.
- Hand Mixer - My favorite and the most effective way to shredding meat is to use a hand mixer.
Any way you choose to shred this pork for sandwiches, it will be easy to shred, especially when cutting your pork into chunks before pressure cooking.
Great for Potlucks
This pulled pork is perfect for potlucks! It can easily make 8 servings using regular sized buns and even more using slider buns!!
Pulled pork sandwiches pair perfectly with this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese and this Southern Potato Salad made using either the Instant Pot or made on the stovetop.
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Root Beer Pulled Pork
Incredibly flavorful Instant Pot pulled pork made with root beer and a blend of complementary spices. Perfect for get-togethers and potlucks!
Ingredients
- 3-4 lb pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- 1 cup Root Beer or other soda of choice
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 bottle BBQ sauce of choice
Instructions
- Cut the pork shoulder into chunks.
- Combine the minced garlic, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, cumin, and cinnamon together in a small bowl.
- Dry rub it onto the pork.
- Add the sliced onions into the Instant Pot, followed by the cup of Root Beer.
- Place the chunks of pork shoulder into the pot and close the lid.
- Pressure cook on MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK for 45 minutes.
- Allow the pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before removing the lid.
- Remove the pork and onions from the liquid and shred the meat using two forks or using a hand mixer.
- Add the desired amount of BBQ sauce.
amy liu dong
Wednesday 25th of May 2022
Wow! It is such a unique recipe, looks absolutely yummy. The texture makes it so enticing and tempting. Perfect compliment food!
Amanda
Monday 31st of January 2022
So this was definitely the best pulled pork I've ever made. However, it was so tough at the 45 minute (10 min natural release) mark cut into chunks. I ended up putting it back in for 30 more and it was amazing. Definitely could have been a particularly tough piece of meat but regardless, we will definitely be using this again.
Dana
Tuesday 1st of February 2022
Thanks for sharing your experience and I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe. :)